Canada Edges Portland, 1-0

The lone score came in the 52nd minute when Martina Franko punched in a shot after a scrum in front of the Pilots goal.

Former University of Portland stars Christine Sinclair Photo: portlandpilots.com

PORTLAND - Former and future University of Portland stars Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt helped lead the Canadian National Team to a 1-0 victory over the Pilots Friday evening at Merlo Field.

A crowd of 4,246 welcomed Sinclair back to Portland and were introduced to freshman Sophie Schmidt, who redshirted the fall season while playing with Canada.

Spectators were also introduced to the University’s new athletic logo and wordmark, which were unveiled publicly for the first time.

The Pilots, donning their new uniforms designed by Nike with the new marks, put up a good fight against Canada in a back and forth match.

The lone score came in the 52nd minute when Martina Franko punched in a shot after a scrum in front of the Pilots goal. Randee Hermus and Amy Walsh were credited with assists on the strike.

Portland nearly answered with the equalizer just minutes later when freshman Michelle Enyeart’s shot from the right side ricocheted off of the left post. In the 57th minute, junior Rachael Rapinoe forced Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod make a diving save.

Canada gained an 11-8 edge in shots for the match and 8-0 margin in corner kicks. McLeod made two saves to preserve the shutout for Canada, while sophomore Kelsey Davis stopped six shots in a stellar performance between the pipes in her Pilot debut.

“It was a special spring night here in Portland,” Pilot head coach Garrett Smith said. “International-level competition, beautiful weather and the unveiling of a brand new logo -- it couldn’t have been more perfect, except for a win.”

Sinclair received a rousing ovation from the UP faithful in pregame introductions and tried to put her emotions in words after the match.

“It was weird,” noted Sinclair of playing against her former team. “It was nice to play in front of the UP fans again. I’m glad that they were nice to me.”

Schmidt started as a holding midfielder for the Canadians and impressed her collegiate coach.

“It was nice to see (Sophie) play on Merlo Field,” Smith said. “She is going to be fun to watch for the next four years.”

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